The Best Things to Do in Cirencester - Cotswolds Capital City
Cirencester is a charming town filled with plenty of history, a timeless medieval atmosphere, and idyllic nature sites. This historic market town is the capital of the Cotswolds, and it was once the most important cultural and economic hub of Roman Britain.
Cirencester Market Place and St John Baptist Church
Today, Cirencester's medieval architecture and beautifully cobblestoned streets remain perfectly preserved. The town has a wealth of attractions and activities, all of which I'll guide you through in this post.
History of Cirencester
Cirencester's history dates back to the Roman Empire, where it was an important economic and cultural hub. The Romans named the town Corinium Dobunnorum, and it was the second-largest town in Roman Britain. It is believed that the Romans chose Cirencester as a strategic military location for a fort housing up to 800 cavalrymen.
Old street in the town centre of Cirencester
Under Roman rule, Cirencester thrived, with historic buildings such as the Roman amphitheater being built. They also developed significant infrastructure, like the city walls, and they used Cirencester as one of their most influential cities in the region.
As the Roman Empire declined, Cirencester continued to evolve, embracing its medieval heritage with the construction of the iconic Church of St John Baptist.
Throughout the centuries, the town weathered the challenges of war and societal changes but still preserved its historical charm.
Church of St. John Baptist
The medieval church of St. John Baptist is one of the pillars of the local community and often brings the people of Cirencester together. Upon arriving at Cirencester, I knew little about the town and what things to do, but the first site that caught my eye was the incredible church.
Church of St John Baptist in Cirencester
It is said to be over 1000 years old, and it can be seen towering over Cirencester from almost anywhere in the town centre.
The interior features beautiful arches, historic graves, and stained glass windows. Although the interior is beautiful, it is still a functioning church, so please be respectful if there is a service ongoing.
Stained Glass Windows - ID84735203© Jacek Wojnarowski|Dreamstime.com
The locals treat this church with love and care, and it was an amazing experience to see such an old, magnificent church still so appreciated even today.
Market Place
On market days, the market place comes alive with its bustling atmosphere and welcoming vendors set amidst the charming medieval buildings of the town centre. The Market Place is one of the main streets in the town centre and it is located just outside St John Baptist Church.
Cirencester Market Place - ID160972001© Beataaldridge|Dreamstime.com
Various types of markets are held here, depending on which day of the week you visit. The usual market days are Monday, Friday, and Saturday, which provide plenty of opportunity to shop.
I really enjoyed the market, and I believe it is a great way to support the local community. You can find food, traditional crafted goods, and many other unique stalls at the markets.
Market Place in Cirencester - ID160972076© Beataaldridge|Dreamstime.com
For information on upcoming events and the market day timetables, you can visit their website.
Corinium Museum
The Corinium Museum is the perfect place to discover the Roman heritage of Cirencester. Corinium was the name given to the town of Cirencester when it was under Roman rule.
Archeological findings from old Cirencester are the museum's key exhibits. They have everything from Roman mosaics, Anglo-Saxon burial items, and prehistoric implements to medieval art!
The Corinium Museum has the second-largest number of mosaics, with more than 90 mosaics coming from Cirencester and the surrounding towns.
The museum's dedication to preserving the Roman heritage of Cirencester is impressive; it is the go-to place for those looking to learn more about Cirencester's Roman heritage.
Entry to the Corinium Museum is very reasonable, with an adult ticket costing just £7.40. It's definitely worth a visit if you're looking to discover the Roman history of the region or just want to visit a great museum.
The Abbey Grounds
The Abbey Grounds are one of the most beautiful parks in Cirencester, conveniently located behind the Church of St John Baptist. Views of the picturesque St. John Baptist Church complement the park's picturesque lake, and the lush green grass and well-maintained trees make the Abbey Grounds a very nice place to relax.
It's a popular place for people looking to have a quiet afternoon stroll in a scenic setting. On a sunny day, you can see picnickers and sunbathers at the Abbey Grounds. With the exception of Cirencester Park, this is, in my opinion, the best park near the town centre.
Barn Theatre, Cirencester
The Barn Theatre is one of the best places in Cirencester for entertainment. Newly built and seating up to 200 guests, this theatre has already made a statement. It aims to provide the best plays in town, and so far it is doing exactly that.
You can find plenty of shows for any day of the week at the Barn Theatre, and prices are quite reasonable when compared with other theatres. It's a great all-round entertainment venue, especially when you consider that it also has an awesome restaurant and hotel.
Cirencester Amphitheatre
The Roman Amphitheatre is a site located just outside the city centre of Cirencester. Constructed in the 2nd century AD, this well-preserved amphitheatre was a hub of entertainment and communal gatherings. The Roman Amphitheatre was built to accommodate thousands of spectators; it hosted gladiatorial contests, animal hunts, and other public performances.
This site is no longer a real Roman Amphitheatre and its ruins are burried underneath hills of grassland. However, it is a reminder of the Roman presence in Britain, and the site reflects the architectural elements of the old Roman Amphitheatre, with its elliptical shape and tiered structure.
It's important to note that there are no ruins to be seen here today, but it is a nice place to get a sense of Roman Britain and relax in an outdoor space that was once a historic Roman structure.
Cirencester Antiques and Collectables Market
The Cirencester Antiques and Collectables Market is hosted within the Corn Hall in the town centre. Around fifty dealers participate in the market, showcasing a variety of collectable goods, including more contemporary collector items like postcards, coins, vintage apparel, and architectural brassware.
Conventional antiques like ceramics, clocks, glass, jewelry, furniture, and paintings are also featured at many of the market stalls.
Opening times are 8am - 3pm every week on Friday at the Corn Hall, an indoor market located in the Market Place area of the town centre.
This shopping experience is unique; I really enjoyed it, and I think it is the perfect place for shoppers who are looking for something different from the regular high street shops. It's an exciting way to find goods you might not have known about before.
New Brewery Arts, Cirencester
The New Brewery Arts Gallery is a small but vibrant studio in the heart of Cirencester. It provides a platform for both local and international artists to showcase their works, and the gallery's dynamic exhibitions range from traditional crafts to contemporary artworks.
The New Brewery Arts Gallery is a great place for up-and-coming artists to exhibit their work. I think this contemporary art gallery is an excellent way to support the local art scene in Cirencester and a cool experience for visitors to see new works done by local artists.
It's unique blend of contemporary, traditional, local, and international art is what makes the New Brewery Arts Center such an interesting place to visit in Cirencester.
Cirencester Park
This large, scenic park is a must-see for nature lovers visiting Cirencester. Its beautiful green space takes up a large part of the Bathurst Estate, a famous Grade I listed historic house that is located inside Cirencester Park. This outdoor space is inherently tied to the Bathurst Estate, as the Bathurst family purchased large parts of the land in 1716.
Cirencester Park- ID201202016© Njarvis5|Dreamstime.com
The unique connection between the Bathurst estate and the park adds a fascinating aspect to the heritage of Cirencester Park and to the overall experience, offering a blend of nature and history not usually seen in large parks like this. Despite the Bathurst Estate owning large areas of land, the park remains open to the public and is often visited by many locals and tourists alike.
The park has a huge walking path that leads you from out of town right up to the town centre and vice versa. It's a great way to walk to and from the city centre, or just a beautiful route to enjoy a long walk in the area. Cirencester Park provides a great place to stroll along its well-maintained paths and is a great spot to relax in the town's natural surroundings.
Cotswold Water Park
The Cotswold Water Park is a series of 180 lakes set upon a gigantic 42 square miles of land in the English countryside.
Cotswold Water Park - ID116338074© Chrisat|Dreamstime.com
It has become famous for its recreational activities such as horse riding, archery, and golf. With numerous lakes spanning the landscape, the Water Park also provides an ideal location for various water activities, including kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing.
The Cotswolds Water Park is enhanced by a network of walking and cycling paths, which draws many visitors to this area. The Cotswold Water Park is such a versatile destination as it not only provides plenty of outdoor space for nature walks, but it also has a ton of activities that visitors can take part in.
Cotswold Country Park
This park is located within the same area as the Cotswold Water Park, but it is sometimes referred to as the Cotswold Country Park. It is an area of parkland that has its own beach and lake. The Cotswold Country Park also has watersports and many other leisure activities, just like the Cotswold Water Park.
Parks in this area are huge, so if you're just looking for a leisurely stroll, you may want to pick your location before going. Although the whole Cotswold Country Park is exceptionally beautiful, with lakes and forestry filling up most of the land, wherever you choose to visit in the area, you can't go wrong.
Chedworth Roman Villa
The Cirencester Roman Villa is a significant archaeological site located in Cirencester, England. This beautifully restored Roman house offers a fascinating insight into the Roman heritage of the Cotswolds region. Through its multiple rooms and exhibits, it shows the lifestyle of Roman inhabitants during the 2nd and 4th centuries AD.
The Chedworth Roman Villa is beautifully decorated with incredible mosaics and ancient artifacts. Its interior hosts two bath houses, a Roman shrine, and multiple rooms that all display Roman history and culture. The Roman Villa also has outdoor ruins, which visitors can explore.
This beautiful National Trust property offers an exciting opportunity to learn more about Roman Britain, and it is easily one of the best things to do near Cirencester. A standard adult ticket is priced at £12.00, and in my opinion, this is very good value for what's exhibited at the Chedworth Roman Villa. The villa can be reached by a short 20-minute drive from Cirencester.
Afternoon Tea in Cirencester
Sipping on a cup of hot English tea and feasting on scones is a great way to spend the afternoon in Cirencester. The medieval ambiance of Cirencester enhances the already wonderful experience of afternoon tea, making it even more satisfying.
I believe it fits the setting of an old English town so perfectly. These are some of the best places in Cirencester for afternoon tea.
Diversitea Cafe
The King's Head Hotel
Glaze Cafe
The Royal Crescent Hotel
Luxe Cafe Bar
These are some of the most popular tea rooms, but there are many more places that serve afternoon tea in the town.
Hotels in Cirencester
The town is home to some incredible hotels, which range from traditional-style hotels to modern accommodations. Neighboring towns also have many options, so you don't have to stay in the town centre of Cirencester if you have found something you like that is slightly further out.
The King's Head Hotel is a very popular option among travelers with a higher budget. Conveniently located in the historic Market Place area, this beautiful hotel is intricately designed with 66 rooms, each having its own unique aesthetic. It also houses a spa, restaurant, lounge, and courtyard, making it one of the most complete places to stay in the area in terms of facilities.
The Corinium Hotel is another great hotel that features a beautiful courtyard and restaurant. It doesn't have all the amenities of the King's Head Hotel, but it does have one of the best restaurants in town. A traditional courtyard and countryside atmosphere are what set it apart.
There are many other amazing hotels in Cirencester, and even some on the outskirts of the town, like Barnsley House. However, a lot of these large traditional hotels are on the higher end of most people's budgets. So for those looking for something a bit cheaper, try to book at the lesser-known hotels and guesthouses. Accommodation in Cirencester is quite good, so finding a hotel for a lower budget is definitely possible without a huge compromise to the standard.
Elemental Sculpture Park
Art lovers will appreciate the Elemental Sculpture Park, an outdoor space dedicated to representing art purely through its sculptures. This amazing park has over 200 sculptures, and everything is for sale, which makes it an awesome place for buying art as well as enjoying it.
It is a 12-minute drive or around 20 minutes by public transportation from Cirencester city centre. The entry tickets are reasonably priced at £8.00. It's definitely a special way of viewing art in an outdoor space like this. I highly recommend the Elemental Sculpture Park for anyone looking for unique things to do near Cirencester.
A great base for exploring the Cotswolds
The Cotswolds villages are old, picturesque, and full of medieval charm and history. These are unique features you just won't find in many big towns or cities in the United Kingdom. However, being so well preserved and traditional also means that most villages in the Cotswolds are lacking shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues.
In contrast to the Cotswolds villages, Cirencester has a lot of the attributes of a big city with the historic charm of an old town. Cirencester has many shops, hotels, pubs, and restaurants, while also being a stone's throw away from all the best Cotswold towns. This makes it a great place to stay while touring the Cotswolds, especially for those who want the village feel with some of the big city amenities.
Of course, Cirencester is not a complete metropolis, nor is it a remote village, but it is a good compromise if you don't want to spend all your time in the Cotswolds countryside. Some towns within easy reach of Cirencester are Bibury, Bourton on the Water, and Burford.
Barnsley House
Barnsley House is a beautiful countryside hotel near Cirencester that features a spa, restaurant, and incredible surroundings. It is a hotel that prides itself on its closeness to nature and the surrounding environment. The Barsnley House restaurant reflects this natural atmosphere in the best way possible by serving dishes that are made with handpicked ingredients from their very own garden.
This property is perfect for a romantic getaway or even just a day spa. The spa at this hotel is open for both guests and visitors, so you don't need to book an overnight stay to visit the spa. However, you will need to pay for a spa package, which can be found on their site.
The Barnsley House Hotel is a countryside retreat popular for its spa and restaurant. I would highly recommend Barnsley for anyone looking for a relaxing place to retreat to near Cirencester.
Cerney House Gardens
This beautiful countryside house is set amongst 40 acres of green land in the Cotswold Countryside. It is similar to Barnsley House in one way; it has an incredible garden and a relaxing outdoor space. However, the Cerney House Gardens are more dedicated to being a place solely to explore beautiful gardens, and they offer exactly that.
Its Victorian Walled Garden is one of the most incredible gardens in the Cotswolds. The 3.5-acre red brick walled garden is packed with beautiful flowers and places to relax. Cerney House Gardens also offers a tea room where you can enjoy some cakes and tea during your visit and a potting shed where you can buy their flowers and take them home.
Is Cirencester worth visiting?
Yes, Cirencester is the capital of the Cotswolds, and it is packed with markets, shops, and restaurants. It is more lively than its neighboring towns, and it has just as much fascinating history too. It is worth visiting, even if it is just for a couple of hours to walk its charming medieval streets.
Are there many shops in Cirencester?
High-street shops are limited compared to other big cities but it does have enough of them. Independent shops are more common in the town.
Cirencester town centre
There are also plenty of market stalls, providing you visit on market days. Still, even without the markets, there are enough shops for a shopping spree.
Why is Cirencester famous?
Cirencester is famous for being a market town and for being the capital city of the Cotswold district.
My Overall Thoughts on Cirencester
It's true that the Cotswolds villages are some of the most charming English villages near London, and Cirencester is no exception to this. This lovely market town has the historic charm that its neighboring villages provide, plus some extras like its amazing market place, a great variety of restaurants, independent shops, beautiful nature, and well-preserved historic sites.
Cirencester is definitely worth visiting, especially if you are traveling to the Cotswolds district. I really enjoyed my time at Cirencester and highly recommend it if you're looking for a unique place to visit in the Cotswolds region.